Desert Shelter

Building in the desert comes with a lot of specific design requirements. There are very limited build resources (sand mostly), erosion from sandstorms meaning building have to be able to either be strong or easily replaceable, and hot temperatures. Building with Earth Bags provides solutions to all these problems. Additionally this building method is cheap and simple enough for anyone to build them.

1. 200 Earth Bags ($100-$200)
2. Roof material (sheet metal, wood sheet, etc.)
3. Shovels

I designed the structure first in fusion 360. All you have to do is pick how big you want your home to be.

Once you pick the size of your shelter you can start digging. For my prototype I did 12' by 9' by 3'. The biggest limit to size will be the material you have for your roof and the amount you can dig.

The bags will first be laid in the base of the hole to keep sand from falling in. Then they can be stacked on top of each other as high as you wish. I didn't have access to Earth Bags so I used wood for my walls. I used a slanted wall design to make placing the roof on easier. This will also make it stronger from sand damage from the side of the slanted roof.

I didn't have access to Earth Bags so I used wood for my walls. I used a slanted wall design to make placing the roof on easier. This will also make it stronger from sand damage from the side of the slanted roof.

Using Earth Bags is a great cost effective way to build a shelter in the desert. Have a great day.